Meet GFF Talent, Danish Rizal, a final year student at Management and Science University Malaysia. Danish’s final major project is focused around recent sporting events in Malaysia. “I became involved as the chanters' leader for the Malaysian Team and throughout my time there, I was intrigued by the largest stadium in my country's architectural designs” says Danish. Read all about it below!
What is the most valuable thing you have learnt at university?
I have learnt through the work I did during my diploma programme in fashion design at the Management and Science University Malaysia. Visual storytelling and conveying ideas through art have become more powerful thanks to both traditional and digital art.
Moreover, being one of the top students in my course at MSU has helped me push myself to use recognition as a springboard for my ideas and interpretations. This thought intrigues me because it has helped me think creatively outside the box while also improving my ability to meet deadlines, which has aided me in sticking to briefs and devising intelligent solutions. With the help of this course, I hope to improve my construction of clothing, visual craftsmanship, and movement communication skills.
Tell us about your current projects and work, what have you been working on?
“Vigorous Spring/Summer 2021/2022” graduation collection. The collection was developed during my country's third phase of lockdown. It was inspired by a recent sporting event in my nation's capital. Malaysia hosted the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. I became involved as the chanters' leader for the Malaysian Team. Throughout my time there, I was intrigued by the largest stadium in my country's architectural designs and lighting works on the stadium's exterior. I'm proud of my nation and couldn't be more appreciative of the government's decision to renovate the old stadium.
What form does the final project take?
I produced the product, a futuristic activewear. The collection was created using thick neoprene fabric and EL wire lighting technology to resemble the inspiration for the collection. Additionally, I challenged myself by designing an elaborate pattern for my collection, which features a huge quantity of panelling and structures of varying proportions.
The rationale for including lighting in my collection is that whenever I design something, I always seek out an issue that some individuals are facing. I usually devise a solution for it, and with this collection, I'm able to assist fashion enthusiasts in wearing something spectacular to the eyes even when it’s nighttime. The lighting impact contributes to people's ability to see in the dark in some ways.
How have you evolved as a young creative while studying?
Most of my artworks are inspired by sports arenas, architectural structures, natural wonders of the world, and how I embody and inhabit sculptural forms, among other things. In today's society, the expressions of one's individuality, culture, and community that are linked to the times and the fabric of society are recognised as fashion, sports, the environment, and architectural expressions.
Among other things, the poetics of my work is characterized by shifts in perception caused by contrasts between the hard and soft, structure and movement, among other things.
What are the messages and themes behind your project that you want people to take away? Do explore any topics like diversity, sustainability or politics in your work?
As a fashion design student, I've always been motivated by creative ideas, collaboration, and the ability to connect my efforts to the results of my work. My ultimate goal in life is to be useful to others; this is my definition of success. I study to acquire all the knowledge I need for my future in the fashion industry. Because life is short and we only get one shot at it, I want the viewer to experience "power" through my artwork and to understand how it can help them improve their confidence to wear anything they choose.
Not only that, but I'm also excited to share the notion that fashion and sports are the universal languages of communication. It is because of the inspiration derived from this collection that I have been able to convey to the rest of the world how resilient we are as a nation.
What’s an aspect of the fashion industry that you’re passionate about fixing or having a positive impact on?
I want to change the negative connotation associated with fashion design students who can easily pass their examinations because all they have to do is sew and create art. Fashion may be difficult. A single garment takes numerous sleepless evenings in order to be constructed. Not only that, but in order to design a garment, it is necessary to conduct preliminary research on inspiration, fashion trends, and the target market. Building a foundation of techniques and procedures for constructing an intricate garment can take anywhere from 6 months to a year.
Fashion design was the cornerstone of my life's ambitions. It was an insatiable desire to express my boundless imagination. Despite the fact that it entails a lot of blood, sweat, and tears, seeing the finished product of my artwork is the one thing that gives me the most satisfaction in this life. I hope that people will recognise and appreciate the importance of art and technology in fashion since it can have a significant positive impact on their lives.
What is your plan once you finish your BA?
I would like to continue my education in a master's programme, where I hope to get more knowledge in technology and marketing, which I hope to apply to the fashion industry. Fashion innovation will be the defining characteristic of my work.
Hopefully, in the future, I will be able to launch my own clothing line and maintain a strong position in the fashion industry. I hope to provide more garments to individuals who are in need in the near future. In addition, I hope to make a contribution to the global expansion of the sustainable fashion movement as well as the economic expansion of my home country.